Every state’s politics is dictated by its geography – hence the term geopolitics. India is no exception. The Himalayas to the North running eastwards, and the Indian Ocean flanking the southern shores provide natural barriers to the unique subcontinental ecosystem. Historically, almost all the invasions India has been subjected to were undertaken through the northwestern plains, which provides the only viable land route for large standing armies.

However, these barriers also isolate the subcontinent from the rest of the Eurasian landmass, preventing an outward expansionism from within. The oft-repeated phrase among Indians – ‘India has never invaded another country in the last 10,000 years’ – isn’t a question of intent but of geopolitics.

With the north cut off due to geographical impossibilities, seafaring was, and remains, the most viable form of expanding influence. Indeed, during the era of the South Indian Chola empire, its seafaring capabilities allowed it to establish far-reaching influence up till Java, Sumatra (present day Indonesia), and Indo-Сhina. Hindu and Buddhist temples scattered across South East Asia are a testament of that seafaring past.

It also meant that during times of internal crisis and strife, seafaring routes could be exploited by external powers to expand into the subcontinent. The establishment, expansion, and conquest of the subcontinent by the British East India Company is a case in point.

Scrapping the plans for a third aircraft carrier shows that India has axed its visions of a great power, even if it doesn’t immediately realize it.

A 75-year independent history and preceding global events are sufficient to realize that India’s path to greatness doesn’t run through its neighbourhood, but through the Indian Ocean. America’s tumultuous ties with Latin America, and the USSR’s conflictual relations with China and Yugoslavia did not prevent them from successfully projecting power globally. Having restive neighbours due to unequal power relationships is the characteristic nature of a great power. Treating........

© RT.com